Root Canals
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal has a worse reputation than it deserves. For most people it is the treatment that stops the pain, not the one that causes it.
If you have a tooth that is throbbing, sensitive, or keeping you up at night, a root canal may be what finally brings relief and lets you keep the tooth. We do it gently, and we explain every step.
What is a root canal?
A root canal treats infection deep inside a tooth. The soft tissue in the center, called the pulp, can become infected from decay, a crack, or injury. During a root canal, we remove that infected tissue, clean and seal the inside of the tooth, and cap it so you can keep the tooth instead of losing it.
Signs you might need one
Root canal problems do not always announce themselves the same way, but common signs include:
A lasting toothache or a deep, throbbing pain
Pain when you bite down or put pressure on the tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is gone
A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
Swelling or tenderness in the gums nearby
Darkening of the tooth
If any of these sound familiar, do not wait. Infection inside a tooth does not clear on its own, and catching it sooner usually means a simpler visit.
"I actually look forward to seeing the staff and doctors here. Everyone is truly so kind and compassionate. They put your comfort as their top priority."
-Sarah F., Google review
-Sarah F., Google review
How a root canal works
01
Numbing and a look.
We make sure the tooth is fully numb, then confirm what is going on with an image.
02
Cleaning the tooth.
We remove the infected tissue from inside the tooth and clean out the space carefully.
03
Sealing it up.
We fill and seal the inside of the tooth to keep infection from coming back.
04
Protecting the tooth.
A tooth that has had a root canal often needs a crown to keep it strong. We will talk through that step and plan it with you.
Why saving the tooth matters
Whenever we can, keeping your natural tooth is the better path. It keeps your bite intact, avoids the gap that makes other teeth shift, and usually costs less over time than removing the tooth and replacing it. A root canal is how we save a tooth that would otherwise have to come out.
Recovery
Most people go back to normal the next day. The treated tooth may feel a little tender for a few days, especially when chewing, and over-the-counter pain relief usually handles it. We will tell you what is normal and how to reach us if anything feels off.
What it costs
The cost depends on the tooth and whether a crown is needed afterward, so we give you a clear number before we begin. If you have dental insurance, we file your claim for you.
We also offer an in-house dental plan that starts at $36 a month and includes 20% off treatment like root canals, on top of your covered cleanings and exams.
See Our In-House Plan $36/mo
No insurance? Our in-house dental plan provides discounts on care and starts at just $36 per month — so cost doesn't keep you from the smile you've been picturing.
Tooth pain?
If a tooth is hurting, the sooner we see it, the easier it usually is.
We are often able to get patients in quickly.
Give us a call.
(757) 529-2733We are often able to get patients in quickly.
Give us a call.
Have root canal questions?
Does a root canal hurt?
For most people, no. We numb the tooth completely first, so the treatment feels similar to getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the infection beforehand, which the treatment relieves.
How long does a root canal take?
Often a single visit, though some teeth need two. We will let you know what to expect for your tooth.
Do I really need a crown afterward?
Usually yes, especially on back teeth. A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle, and a crown protects it so it lasts.
What happens if I put it off?
The infection spreads, the pain tends to get worse, and you may lose the tooth or need more involved treatment. Sooner is almost always easier.
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better choice when a root canal can save it. We will give you an honest recommendation for your situation.